Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe
If you’re a fan of tender, fluffy rolls bursting with luscious flavors, then these Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, yeast-risen dough enveloping a tangy-sweet cream cheese filling layered with vibrant strawberry jam, all baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth, sweet glaze. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering an irresistible balance of creamy, fruity, and cozy comfort that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Making these rolls from scratch might just be one of the most rewarding baking adventures you’ll embark on, and I can’t wait to walk you through every delicious step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in your Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls. Each component, from the warm milk that activates the yeast to the luscious strawberry jam, plays a crucial role in bringing this recipe to life.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and contributes to a soft, tender dough.
- Active dry yeast: Leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness both to the dough and the cream cheese filling.
- Large egg: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Imparts moisture and a buttery flavor that enhances the dough’s softness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure while keeping the rolls tender.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates a velvety, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the strawberry jam.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the cream cheese mixture.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: Brings juicy sweetness and a burst of vibrant color inside every roll.
- Powdered sugar: Used for a creamy, sweet glaze that finishes the rolls with a lovely sheen.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency for a smooth drizzle.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining warm milk with active dry yeast in a large bowl, then let it rest for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This foamy layer means your yeast is alive and ready to give your dough that beautiful rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Next, stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Each ingredient enriches the dough’s flavor and texture, setting the stage for soft, fluffy rolls.
Step 3: Add Flour and Knead
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this is the key to a perfect crumb.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This step develops the dough’s airy texture that you’ll love in each bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While your dough is rising, whip together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will create a dreamy contrast against the dough.
Step 6: Roll Out Dough and Add Filling
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border to prevent oozing during baking.
Step 7: Add Strawberry Jam and Roll
Dot generous spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer. For a touch of artistry, gently swirl the jam into the filling with a knife. Then, carefully roll the dough up tightly starting from the long edge, creating that signature spiral.
Step 8: Slice and Second Rise
Cut the roll into 12 equal slices, about 1 ½ inches thick, and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the rolls and let them rise another 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up and ready to bake.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly inviting. The smell filling your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly.
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls once they’re out of the oven, adding the perfect sweet finish that melts into the swirls of strawberry and cream cheese.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls
Garnishes
Elevate your Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls by adding a few fresh strawberry slices on top or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds for some crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving also makes these rolls look picture-perfect for company or a cozy weekend treat.
Side Dishes
These rolls are wonderfully versatile and pair excellently with a cup of strong coffee or tea for a breakfast date. You can also serve them alongside a simple fruit salad or a glass of fresh orange juice for a balanced brunch spread that’s both colorful and delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls warm in a pretty basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin to create a welcoming centerpiece. You can also gently separate each roll on a platter to show off the beautiful strawberry and cream cheese layers, inviting everyone to dig in with eager hands.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and trust me, that’s a good problem to have—place your Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They store well at room temperature for up to two days, maintaining softness and flavor.
Freezing
To enjoy your rolls later, freeze them before the second rise by wrapping the slices individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then allow them to come to room temperature and complete the final rise before baking as usual.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This will revive their soft texture and melted cream cheese goodness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of jam?
You can substitute fresh or frozen strawberries, but be aware that frozen berries might release extra moisture. To prevent soggy rolls, cook them down into a thick compote before spreading on the dough for the best texture.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the milk with a plant-based alternative, use vegan butter, and substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese. Just be sure to check your yeast is vegan-friendly as well.
How long will the dough take to rise if my kitchen is cold?
In cooler environments, the rise time may extend up to two hours or more. To speed things up, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm appliance, making sure it’s covered to avoid drying out.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
While all-purpose flour is traditional, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture may be a bit denser, so adding a binding agent like xanthan gum may help.
What’s the best way to prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking?
Leaving a small border of dough around the edges and rolling the dough tightly are key. Also, chilling the cream cheese filling for a short time before spreading can help it hold its shape better during baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about pulling a pan of homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls out of the oven—the warm, sweet aroma alone is enough to brighten any morning. Whether as a special breakfast, brunch showstopper, or comforting dessert, these rolls never fail to impress and delight. I wholeheartedly encourage you to bake a batch soon; from the first bite to the last crumb, you’ll understand why these rolls hold such a dear place in my heart.
